compass

¹com·pass

verb \ˈkəm-pəs also ˈkäm-\

Definition of COMPASS

transitive verb

1

: to devise or contrive often with craft or skill : plot <persons … who have compassed my destruction — Charles Dickens>

2

: encompass

3

a : bring about, achieve b : to get into one's possession or power : obtain

4

: comprehend

— com·pass·able \-pə-sə-bəl\ adjective

Examples of COMPASS

1. <attempting more than his modest abilities could compass>
2. <the great age of exploration, when ships of sail compassed the earth>

Origin of COMPASS

Middle English, from Anglo-French cumpasser to measure, from Vulgar Latin *compassare to pace off, from Latin com- + passus pace

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to COMPASS

Synonyms: accomplish, achieve, bring off, carry off, carry out, commit, perform, do, execute, follow through (with), fulfill (or fulfil), make, negotiate, perpetrate, prosecute, pull off, put through

Antonyms: miss

Related Words: bring about, effect, effectuate, implement; ace, nail; engage (in), practice (also practise); work (at); reduplicate, reenact, repeat; actualize, attain, realize; complete, end, finish, wind up

Near Antonyms: fail; skimp, slight, slur

see all synonyms and antonyms

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